The Bulldogs (7-7 overall, 4-0 District 1-1A league) head into league play on a high note, riding a three-game winning streak after overpowering the Bears (1-15 overall, 0-8 2A San Juan league) on Tuesday at Joe Rowell Park.
Dove Creek claimed the opener 20-8, then closed out the day with a convincing 12-1 win in Game 2.
Over the two games, sophomore Cael Beanland was a standout for the Bulldogs, displaying a strong performance on the mound. He pitched 10 innings in total, allowing just one earned run and striking out 14. At the plate, he contributed a .500 batting average and three RBIs.
Josh Kibel led a solid showing as well, going .667 in game one and adding three stolen bases in the series. Sheldon Gardner impressed with a perfect batting average in both games while knocking in two RBIs. Overall, Dove Creek’s offense was consistent, and their defense tightened up in the second.
The Bulldogs committed six of their eight total errors in the first game due to some miscues and confusion of positioning on the field. They rallied in the second, where they held Dolores to only one run and committed two errors.
“We were a lot more focused in the second game. Everyone knew where they needed to be, what to do, and it showed,” said head Dove Creek head coach Chris Beanland. “In the first game, we were out of position and making mental mistakes. The errors, those will happen, but the mental mistakes are the ones that are hard to get through.”
The Bulldogs came out strong in Game 1, getting an early lead with five runs in the first inning and two more in the second, holding Dolores scoreless for a 7-0 start.
The Bears responded with some aggressive play in the third. Sophomore Waylon Kiddoo sparked the rally with a pair of timely steals that led to a run, followed by classmate Gus Vaughn, who scored on a Dove Creek fielding error. Senior Wyatt Kiddoo kept the momentum going with steals of his own, capping off the inning and narrowing the deficit to 7-3 after the fourth.
The action ramped up in the fifth as Dove Creek extended its commanding lead, driving in six runs with big hits. Senior Frankey Montoya launched a deep ball that brought Gardner and classmate Liam Hassell across the plate, capping off the scoring for the inning. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs defense held Dolores to just three runs once again.
The Bears continued to score off a few hits, but were ultimately swept up by Dove Creek’s defense. The Bulldogs closed the game in style, executing a smooth double play at first and second base to retire the side in just three batters and seal the 20-8 victory.
After settling in during the first game, the Bulldogs tightened up defensively in Game 2, committing just two errors. They held Dolores to a single run, which came in the first inning when Gus Vaughn stole third and was driven in by sophomore Declan Warren.
Dove Creek’s most productive inning came in the fifth, with the Bulldogs holding a 7-1 lead before going on a five-run rally. Beanland came through with a clutch hit, driving Josh Kibel across the plate to set the tone for the Bulldogs.
A few batters later, Beanland continued to display his speed, stealing bases one after another while junior Trevan Ivie stood at the plate. Hits from Hassell and Montoya brought in three more runs, and Dove Creek swiftly closed out the game, 12-1.
The Bulldogs head into Friday's matchups with high-spirits, set to face a challenging test in their District 1-1A pool against Antonito and Centennial.
“They’re two of our district teams,” said Coach Beanland about Friday’s upcoming contests. “So, they’re both games we definitely have to win to stay at the top of our district.”
After a 0-5 start to the season, partly due to athletes returning from injuries and transitioning out of winter sports, Dove Creek gradually changed the trajectory of the season. The shift started with a win over Dolores earlier this month and sparked a four-game winning streak with key victories over Sargent, Nucla, and La Veta.
Now with more full team practices and experience under their belts, the team is forming a solid turnout.
“The team’s definitely up now. We had a slow start, but they’re really coming together now to put in some wins,” said Coach Beanland. “Baseball’s fun in of itself and we see it in the kids. They’re being positive and picking each other up. It’s good to see.”
Dove Creek will take on Antonito and Centennial at Antonito on Friday before closing the regular season at Nucla in another doubleheader on April 28.
Dolores continues with a visit to Center on Friday then another to Sargent on Saturday. They will pick up the following week with a trip to Cedaredge on May 9 and will end their regular season with a home game against Bayfield on May 13.
